Black Bear Euthanized After Breaking Into Swan Valley Residence

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Idaho Fish and Game euthanized a food?conditioned black bear after it broke into a Swan Valley home and received multiple human-food rewards.

On the night of July 12, a male black bear entered an occupied residence by tearing through a window screen while the homeowners inside slept. Upon gaining entry, the bear ransacked the kitchen and ate a pumpkin pie from the table. Fortunately, in this instance, the residents were unharmed and only became aware of the break?in when they discovered the damage the following morning.

The bear also returned to the property the following night, where it knocked over a garbage can and again obtained a food reward from the unsecured household garbage.

Based on the bear’s entry into a human?occupied structure, Idaho Fish and Game personnel set a trap to capture the offending bear. The capture effort was successful, and the bear was humanely dispatched in accordance with agency policy for bears that pose a clear risk to human safety. Read more

Wildlife

Smith & Wesson Expands M&P15 Line with New AXE Pistol in .300 Blackout

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MARYVILLE, TN. – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, announces the launch of the new M&P15 AXE Pistol, the latest addition to its M&P15 platform.

Designed with suppressed shooting in mind, the M&P15 AXE Pistol leverages Gemtech’s GVAC® direct impingement gas system. This purpose-built technology streamlines gas flow through the platform, helping reduce excess gas exposure and delivering a more premium shooting experience to the user.

Chambered in .300 Blackout, the M&P15 AXE Pistol ships with a 30-round magazine and features an Armornite®-finished 8-inch 5R-rifled barrel with a 1:7.5-inch twist rate. Other key features include a 5/8×24 threaded barrel, a 7-inch Midwest Industries Combat M-LOK® free-float handguard, and an enhanced bolt carrier group. The pistol also utilizes a Radian® Raptor™ ambidextrous charging handle, is equipped with ambidextrous controls, features an M&P pistol grip, and comes fitted with a Magpul® BTR arm brace.

Built on the proven M&P15 platform, the M&P15 AXE Pistol is designed for reliable performance across a wide range of applications and is backed by Smith & Wesson’s Limited Lifetime Service Policy. For more information, visit www.smith-wesson.com.

To stay up to date on all the latest news and events, be sure to follow Smith & Wesson on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

Firearms

Smith & Wesson Introduces M&P15 AXE SBR in 300 Blackout

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Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, announces the addition of the new M&P15 AXE SBR to its popular M&P15 rifle lineup.

Built on Smith & Wesson’s proven M&P15 platform, the M&P15 AXE SBR features Gemtech’s GVAC® direct impingement gas system. Gemtech’s GVAC system is a suppressor-optimized gas-management technology engineered to help reduce gas blowback during suppressed operation. By managing gas flow more efficiently, the GVAC system enhances user comfort while helping maintain reliable, consistent performance.

Chambered in .300 Blackout, the M&P15 AXE SBR ships with a 30-round magazine, comes equipped with an 8-inch 5R-rifled barrel with a 1:7.5-inch twist rate and Armornite® finish, a 5/8×24 threaded muzzle, and a 7-inch Midwest Industries Combat M-LOK® free-float handguard. The rifle includes an enhanced bolt carrier group and features a Magpul® CTR® adjustable stock, a Radian® Raptor™ ambidextrous charging handle, Williams™ folding adjustable sights, ambidextrous controls, and an M&P pistol grip.

Designed to perform in a variety of conditions and optimized for suppressor use, this SBR embodies the best combination of function and form. The M&P15 AXE SBR is backed by Smith & Wesson’s Limited Lifetime Service Policy. For more information, visit www.smith-wesson.com.

To stay up to date on all the latest news and events, be sure to follow Smith & Wesson on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

Firearms

New State Record Northern Pike Hauled Out of Northern Idaho

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Welcome to the Idaho record fish books, Timothy Hicks!

Timothy was fishing on Lake Pend Oreille on June 13 when he landed a 49.75-inch Northern pike. The Post Falls angler’s pike beat out the previous catch-and-release record caught by Scott Blahnik in 2020. Timothy’s pike was a mere 3/4 of an inch longer, earning himself the top spot in the record fish books.

More About Idaho’s State Record Fish

Thinking about chasing a state record fish? Check out the state record fish page for more information.

How to Apply for a Catch-and-Release Record

All applicants must submit a complete Record Fish Application Form, with accompanying photographs. This form can be completed online or downloaded from our website. Read more

Fishing

SAF Files Motion for Preliminary Injunction in Maryland Glock Ban Case

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The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and its partners have filed a motion for preliminary injunction in Bathras v. Moore, SAF’s challenge to the Maryland Glock ban signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore.

In May, SAF filed the lawsuit immediately after Gov. Moore signed into law Senate Bill 334, which states a person “…may not manufacture, sell, offer for sale, purchase, receive, or transfer a machine gun convertible pistol.” It further defines a “machine gun convertible pistol” as a firearm that contains a cruciform trigger bar. Cruciform trigger bars are a unique design element found across all Glock handguns. The intent of the bill is to prevent the already illegal conversion of semi-automatic handguns into machineguns, by banning the legal handguns themselves. The ban goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

“Anti-gun politicians will constantly tell you that ‘no one is coming for your guns,'” said SAF Senior Director of Legal Operations Bill Sack. “And then they pass bills like this that bans the most commonly owned handgun in America. Both can’t be true. Maryland’s Glock ban, and those like it that have popped up around the country, are a thinly veiled attempt to ban all guns, one chunk of the market at a time. But the law is overwhelmingly on our side. The Supreme Court has already held that the Second Amendment protects handguns, as they are the ‘quintessential’ firearm of choice for self-defense, and Glock-style pistols are massively popular and commonly used in Maryland and around the country.”

As noted in the complaint, “This case is about whether Maryland may ban Glock and Glock-style handguns consistent with the United States Constitution merely because someone can convert those firearms into something that they are not.” SAF is joined in Bathras v. Moore by Atlantic Guns, the National Rifle Association, Firearms Policy Coalition and two private citizens.

“Laws like this strip peaceable Americans from access to constitutionally protected arms and seek to bully and hold liable lawful manufacturers and sellers for the criminal misuse of firearms,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “This law is the equivalent to banning free speech in the hopes of preventing fraud. It’s bad policy and unconstitutional. We look forward getting it tossed.” Read more

Gun Control

Outdoor Sportsman Group Launches New “Hiking Guide” Video Series

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New Custom Content Promises Gear Insights To Go Farther, Climb Higher and Explore More

Head for the backcountry with Outdoor Sportsman Group’s all-new “Hiking Guide” video series presented by Streamlight, and in cooperation with the GAME & FISH brand. Available now to watch exclusively on GAME & FISH, the GAME & FISH TV FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channel, and streaming on MyOutdoorTV, this 3-part, long-form video series with accompanying multimedia content gives viewers an in-depth look at the skills and gear they need to make the most of their time on the trail, whether they’re circling the camping ground’s lake, traversing the Continental Divide, or striking out cross-country in search of the next breathtaking vista. Read more

Wildlife

Silencer Central Announces Two-Week “Dead Air Central” Site Takeover

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Silencer Central, America’s leader in silencer sales with delivered to your door service, can effectively be called “Dead Air Central” for the next two weeks. Starting July 20, 2026, ad running until August 2, 2026, you can grab a $150 Rebate and triple reward points on select Dead Air Suppressors.

Customers who purchase a qualifying Dead Air suppressor will receive a $150 rebate coupon, delivered by email after their suppressor ships. Read more

Firearms, Promotions

Custom & Collectable Firearms Introduces New Magnum Research Desert Eagle Ember Reaper .50 AE

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Custom & Collectable Firearms proudly presents the Magnum Research Desert Eagle “Ember Reaper,” a limited-edition pistol created for collectors who appreciate bold design, commanding presence, and iconic performance. Produced in an exclusive run of only 300 consecutively-numbered units and chambered in the formidable .50 AE, the “Ember Reaper” transforms the legendary Desert Eagle platform into a striking collectible built to stand apart. The “Ember Reaper” series elevates the proven Mark XIX platform with a polished rose-gold camo plating, delivering a dramatic, high-end finish that blends luxury styling with an unmistakably aggressive edge. Its steel black camo grips add contrast, depth, and a refined tactical-inspired look to enhance the pistol’s distinctive visual character. Built around one of the most recognizable pistols in the world, this exclusive edition embodies prestige, rarity, and the unmistakable creativity expected from Magnum Research and Custom & Collectable Firearms.

Now shipping to respective authorized CNC Firearms dealers and distributor partners. Learn more about this series at www.cncfirearms.com. Follow us on Instagram or join our email community to be the first to know about our latest releases.